Hospital bag checklist - what to pack for your labour

Author: Merle 08:58, 28 March 2013 1099 0 0

If you're having a hospital birth, you'll definitely need to bring things with you for your labour and time on the maternity ward. Some hospitals will provide more things than others, so ask if they have a list. You can download the below list as a pdf, to print out and tick off all your hospital bag essentials.

Essentials:

Birth plan
Medical notes
Maternity bra
Comfortable, loose maternity clothing for labour. Take a spare set, in case you need to change through labour
Snacks, water, drinks for labour
Cereal bars, snacks, water, small juice cartons to have post-birth for energy
Toiletries, including lip balm, hair bands and hairbrush
Towels
Flannel
Underwear, either very comfy old ones or disposable paper ones
1 pack maternity pads
Nursing bra
Breast pads
Smart-looking, comfortable, loose maternity clothing or nightwear for after birth
Nightwear or large top, front-opening options will make breastfeeding easier
Dressing gown
Slippers
Plastic bag for dirty clothing
Antiseptic cleaning wipes, for the shared toilets if you’re worried about quality of hospital cleanliness

Nice to have:

MP3/iPod
Magazines/books
Extra pillow
Water spray
Birth ball, if you plan to use
TENS machine, if you plan to use
Aromatherapy oils, if you plan to use
Make-up, because those baby photos will be kicking around for the rest of your life
Hot water bottle, for backache
Sleep bras, if you tend to wear them
Plastic water jug – post-birth, pouring water on yourself as you pee can make things feel less sore

Source: http://www.madeformums.com/what-to-pack/hospital-bag-checklist---what-to-pack-for-your-labour/9750.html